Cardinal Pell's groundbreaking record on dealing with clergy sexual abuse

Michie

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Aussie Pete

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*You are in the Catholic forum*

Whatever the outcome of his appeal against his own conviction, historically he pioneered many reforms now in effect in how bishops address this issue.

Continued below.
Cardinal Pell’s Groundbreaking Record on Dealing With Clergy Sexual Abuse
I'm not Catholic and I have never met Mr Pell. Since I live in Australia, there has been a lot of discussion about Mr Pell and the abuse scandal in general. If he is indeed guilty, I would have hoped he would have had the integrity to say so. If not, I pray that he is released immediately. The good may outweigh the bad in sentencing, but not in determination of guilt or innocence. None of this reflects well on the Church. There are plenty of non-Catholic churches that have covered themselves in shame. "Judge not" comes to mind. I am counselling a person who was abused by her pastor. She was 6 years old and not Catholic. The Church generally has failed dismally to deal with unacceptable behaviours. The Catholic Church is a big target and has responded badly to the exposure. I hope that lessons are learned. Lord Jesus promised that what we do secretly will be exposed (Luke 12:2)
 
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chevyontheriver

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I don't think he is guilty. I think he's a scapegoat.
He lost his appeal 2:1, so it's back to prison for him. I agree that it seems a travesty has been committed in the verdict AND in the appeal. He continues to be a good man who tried to reform Vatican finances and I think he got taken down because of that. His reform of the handling of sexual abuse cases, as you note, was groundbreaking. A good man taken down.
 
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Michie

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He lost his appeal 2:1, so it's back to prison for him. I agree that it seems a travesty has been committed in the verdict AND in the appeal. He continues to be a good man who tried to reform Vatican finances and I think he got taken down because of that. His reform of the handling of sexual abuse cases, as you note, was groundbreaking. A good man taken down.
A very sad situation.
 
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Davidnic

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He can still appeal it further. Honestly I have no idea how they can dismiss the points the defense is raising. Except that they want their pound of flesh and they don't care if it comes from an innocent man.
 
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Michie

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I really believe he is a scapegoat. Too much does not line up. I find his incarceration tragic.
He can still appeal it further. Honestly I have no idea how they can dismiss the points the defense is raising. Except that they want their pound of flesh and they don't care if it comes from an innocent man.
 
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So a summary of the above articles seem to be...most reasonable observers have no idea how this is happening because the case is not proved and seems extremely far-fetched. And it's fairly obvious this is a mob that wants any blood and very few people are willing to stand in their way.

The Church in Australia's reaction is that they're afraid of the mob crying for blood and decided to be lukewarm or capitulating in their statements.
 
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Snoder

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I found myself interested in the case as it happened decades ago and convicted a Cardinal supposedly beyond reasonable doubt. I thought the evidence must be overwhelming. The court records are available to the public.

The conviction was based on the testimony of one man whose account is extremely unlikely. He goes into the sacristy fully vested after Mass, finds two 13 year old boys who were there to sneak a drink of wine (the witness said they had both sipped once) and he immediately began sexually assaulting them. I won't get into the details but they make absolutely no sense.

The testimony was considered authentic because he said he couldn't remember details such as if the door was closed.
 
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Michie

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We are watching a crucifixion as we speak. I truly believe that. And I am guilty of believing the accusers before the accused. ( I have my own reasons) but this so-called trial was a farce. He was just the unfortunate figure to crucify. I believe the man is innocent. And I pray that comes to light. There us a big trend of playing to the audience's narrative anymore regardless of truth. I believe this is a prime example. Lord have mercy on Cardinal Pell.
So a summary of the above articles seem to be...most reasonable observers have no idea how this is happening because the case is not proved and seems extremely far-fetched. And it's fairly obvious this is a mob that wants any blood and very few people are willing to stand in their way.

The Church in Australia's reaction is that they're afraid of the mob crying for blood and decided to be lukewarm or capitulating in their statements.
 
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